KR102133619B1 - Apparatus, methods and systems for measuring and detecting electrical discharge - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and system for measuring and optionally detecting an electrical discharge having a discharge magnitude, wherein the electrical discharge causes a corresponding optical radiation emission. The apparatus is implemented with a system and method according to the present invention, wherein the method first stores and stores predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and corresponding detector parameters. , The detector parameter is an operating parameter associated with the optical detector, and receives and processes specific detector parameters along with the stored calibration data, thereby detecting electrical discharge, and determining a measure of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the detected electrical discharge.

Description

Apparatus, method and system for measuring and detecting electrical discharges {APPARATUS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND DETECTING ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE}

The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and system for remotely measuring and determining electrical discharges, for example corona discharges.

Undesired electrical discharges often occur as potential fault indicators in high voltage equipment such as power lines, transformers and insulators in substations. One type of electric discharge, corona discharge, is a phenomenon that results from ionization of air surrounding high voltage equipment, for example by a high electric field that forms around the equipment. However, corona discharge occurs for a variety of reasons, which in many cases is due to defective or poorly designed high voltage electrical equipment such as high voltage insulators and bushings, transmission lines and substations. Frequently, corona discharges are undesirable, resulting in breakdown of electrical equipment, which in turn can lead to power outages and production losses in factories. Moreover, the presence of corona discharges, particularly large corona discharges, is dangerous and potentially life threatening for these operations with high voltage equipment, for example for lifeline workers working on equipment for maintenance, inspection, etc. Provide working conditions. For high-voltage engineers, corona is a pre-cursor to insulation failure.

It would be desirable to detect and measure corona discharges to at least identify potential problems and improve the undesirable issues associated therewith. However, there is a problem that the phenomenon of corona occurs in equipment with a voltage of 10 kV or more, and outside this range, the phenomenon is difficult to access or measure precisely and accurately. It is impossible to make electrical connections in high voltage equipment and measure the actual corona level in meters.

Although the above difficulties and problems have been solved by conventional non-contact devices and systems by means of optics and devices, the present invention seeks to solve the difficulties and issues mentioned in at least one other way.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for detecting and measuring an electric discharge having a discharge magnitude, wherein the electric discharge causes a corresponding emission of optical radiation, and the apparatus:

An optical receiver device configured to receive optical radiation from a scene constructed including a source of potential electrical discharge;

First image forming means configured to form an image based on the optical radiation received by the optical receiver device;

As a measurement system:

An optical detector optically coupled to the optical receiver device, the optical detector receiving and processing optical radiation from the optical receiver device to produce a detector output;

A memory device configured to store predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a detector parameter corresponding thereto, the detector parameter being an operating parameter associated with the optical detector;

A quantity measurement module configured to receive and process specific detector parameters along with the stored calibration data, thereby detecting electrical discharge, and determining a measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the detected electrical discharge,

A measurement system configured to include;

A display device for displaying an image formed by the first image forming means;

An apparatus is provided comprising an image processor configured to overlay a determined amount of measurements on an image displayed by a display device.

The positive measurement module,

Compare the received detector parameters with detector parameters that form part of the calibration data;

Search for calibrated amounts of measurements corresponding to matching detector parameters, according to a match, where the match results in detection of an electrical discharge,

Optionally, by using the retrieved calibrated amount measurement to determine a measurement of the amount associated with the magnitude of the detected electrical discharge,

It can be configured to process the received detector parameters along with the stored calibration data.

The device is in the form of a portable camera comprising a power supply; The portable housing defines at least one optical opening so that optical radiation emitted from the outside of the portable housing enters the housing, the housing surrounding the components of the device; At least one eyepiece may be made visually alignable with the display device to allow viewing.

The optical receiver device is:

A light collector configured to include one or more optical lenses and/or filters to receive optical radiation;

It may be configured to include a beam splitter optically coupled to the light collector and configured to reflect the spectrum of all or part of the received optical radiation to the image forming means and the measurement system.

The apparatus further comprises distance determining means configured to determine a distance between the apparatus and a potential electrical discharge or its source, and the positive measurement module determines the determined distance in order to determine the measurement of the detected amount of electrical discharge. And a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the received detector parameter. Optionally, the positive measurement module can be configured to apply an atmospheric calibration factor in determining the positive measurement of the detected electrical discharge.

The apparatus is calibrated for a calibration source of optical radiation, and the calibrated amount of measurements is one or more temperature, radiation intensity, and power associated with the calibration source; The detector parameters that form part of the calibration data correspond to the measured amount of the calibrated amount.

The calibration source is a blackbody calibration source; If the calibrated positive measurement is temperature, the positive measurement module is configured to determine the emitter power of the electrical discharge by applying the blackbody equation of the flank:

to be.

The optical detector comprises an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, and the multiplier means is coupled to the optical cathode operable to amplify it by applying a gain to the photoelectrons; The anode is configured to convert the amplified electrons into output photons as detector outputs.

The apparatus is configured to include second image forming means operatively connected to the anode of the optical detector to form an image of photons output thereby, and the image processing means removes the image formed by the second image forming means. It is configured to overlay on an image formed by one image forming means. It is noted that the first image forming means is a first image forming means that can be formed and/or displayed through a display device, for example an LCD (liquid crystal display)/LED (light emitting diode) display screen associated with the camera. The first image forming means may be constructed including conventional video and/or image circuits and processors/ to form a conventional visible image of a scene.

In one embodiment, the measurement system is configured to include a current measurement module configured to determine electrical parameters associated with one of the photocathode and anode in processing the received optical radiation to output photons, and to measure the quantity. The specific detector parameter received by the module is the determined electrical parameter. Since the electrical parameter is the anode current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output, the calibration data is a plurality of anode current values associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and the corresponding calibrated amount. It is configured to include the measured value of. In some example embodiments, the electrical parameters can be in the form of one or more currents, voltages, resistances, and powers associated with the photocathode or anode.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a memory device is configured with a predetermined calibration set point associated with a detector output and/or an electrical parameter associated with one of the photocathodes and anodes in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce a detector output. Remember,

Measuring system:

A parameter monitoring module configured to receive information indicative of the detector output and/or electrical parameters to determine their variation from each calibration set point;

In response to determining the variation of the detector output and/or electrical parameters received from each calibration set point, in order to maintain a predetermined relationship between the detector output and/or electrical parameters and the corresponding calibration set points/s, And a gain controller module configured to calibrate or adjust the detector parameters of the optical detector relative to the calibrated detection parameters,

The specific detector parameter that can be received for processing by the positive measurement module is a calibrated detection parameter, and the calibration data comprises a detector parameter associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a corresponding calibrated positive measurement. In discharge, a predetermined relationship is maintained between the detector output and/or electrical parameters and the corresponding calibration set points/s.

The electrical parameter is the anode current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output, and the detector output is also related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, the detector parameter being The gain of the optical detector or gate pulse width applied to the cathode and therefore the overall time averaged gain of the optical detector, the calibration data includes a gain or pulse width value associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a corresponding measured amount of calibrated amount. And in this electrical discharge, the detector output and/or anode current is at or equal to the corresponding calibration set point/s.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as a method of measuring an electric discharge having a discharge size, the electric discharge causes a corresponding emission of optical radiation,

Way:

Storing in the memory device, a predetermined calibration set point for detector output and/or electrical parameters associated with the optical detector, the electrical parameters being associated with operation of the optical detector;

Storing in the memory device predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and corresponding detector parameters associated with the operation of the optical detector, forming a portion of the calibration data Remembering, the detector parameters to be selected to maintain the detector output and/or electrical parameters at a predetermined calibration set point;

Receiving information indicating monitored detector output and/or electrical parameters,

Determining a variation in the monitored detector output and/or electrical parameters for an associated predetermined calibration set point stored in the memory device in response to the exposure of the optical detector in response to the emission of optical radiation from the electrical discharge;

If a variation is determined, correcting or adjusting the detector parameter associated with the operation of the optical detector device relative to the calibrated detector parameter to maintain the detector output and/or electrical parameter at a corresponding calibration set point;

A method characterized by being configured to include using calibrated detector parameters and stored calibration data to determine a measure of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge.

The detector parameter is the detector gain value or pulse width value associated with the total time averaged gain of the optical detector, the detector output is related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, and the measured amount of calibrated amount is the electrical discharge and And one of the associated temperature and irradiance values. The method consists in using a calibrated detector gain value with predetermined calibration data to determine the amount of input irradiance and/or temperature associated with the electrical discharge received by the optical detector.

The method comprises providing an optical detector device, the optical detector device comprising an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, and applying a gain to the photoelectrons to amplify them Multiplier means coupled to the photocathode which is operable to; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons into output photons as detector outputs.

The electrical parameter is the anode current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output, and the invention is thus constructed, including determining the anode current.

This method:

Calibrated to determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector by matching the calibrated detector parameter with the one stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith. Using detector parameters as input to the calibration data;

Determining or measuring a distance from the optical detector to an electrical discharge or its source;

Determining a measure of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge by multiplying the retrieved calibrated quantity measurement by the square of the distance share, the distance quotient being the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the optical and optical detectors And determining, which is the quotient of the calibrated distance between the sources of electrical discharges that have been calibrated.

The method is used to determine the power of electrical discharge when the calibrated positive value is temperature.

And using the retrieved calibrated amount measurement with Planck's blackbody formula.

This method:

Determine a calibration set point for detector output and/or electrical parameters;

Comprising the steps of calibrating the optical detector device by calibrating the detector parameters against varying input optical radiation to keep the electrical parameters of the detector output and/or the optical detector constant at the determined calibration set point. Become,

The step of calibrating determines and memorizes a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and stores the measured value of each determined and memorized calibrated amount. And determining and storing calibration data by determining and remembering the associated detector parameters required to keep the detector output and/or electrical parameters constant at the determined set point for.

The calibration data comprises a calibration curve or lookup table of calibrated positive measurements versus detector parameters, and the method thus comprises using the calibrated detector parameters as inputs to the calibration curve or lookup table. And thereby determine the measured value of the corresponding calibrated amount.

The method, thereby operating the multiplier means associated with the optical detector to change the gain applied, or by changing the duty cycle of the gate pulse applied to the optical cathode associated with the optical detector, thereby time-averaging the optical detector. And adjusting or adjusting the gain of the optical detector.

The method consists in providing a measure of quantity in units of watts or photons per second.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a system for measuring electrical discharge having a discharge magnitude, wherein electrical discharge causes a corresponding emission of optical radiation,

The system:

A memory device for storing data;

A parameter monitoring module configured to receive information indicative of the detector output and/or electrical parameters associated with the optical detector in order to determine its fluctuation for an associated predetermined calibration set point in response to the exposure of the optical detector to the emission of the optical radiation. and;

Configured to calibrate or adjust the detector parameters of the optical detector relative to the calibrated detector parameters in response to determining the variation of the received detector output and/or electrical parameters, thereby corresponding to the received detector output and/or electrical parameters A gain controller module, which maintains a predetermined relationship between calibration set points, wherein the detector parameter is an operating parameter associated with the optical detector;

To determine the measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge, it is configured to include a quantity measurement module configured to use calibrated detector parameters.

The detector parameter is a detector gain value or pulse width value associated with the total time averaged gain of the optical detector, and the detector output is provided with a system characterized in that the number of photons output by the optical detector or related thereto.

The positive measurement module is configured to use a calibrated gain value in conjunction with predetermined calibration data stored in the memory device to determine a calibrated positive measurement associated with the optical radiation received by the optical detector, The calibration data is constructed including measured values of calibrated amounts associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and corresponding detector parameters.

The system is configured to include a gain determination module configured to determine a calibrated gain value.

The system comprises image forming means operatively connected to the optical detector to form an image of the detector output.

The system comprises an optical detector, and the optical detector comprises an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation to photoelectrons, and light operable to apply gain to the photoelectrons to amplify it. Multiplier means coupled to the cathode; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons to an output photon as a detector output, and the electrical parameter, in use, is the current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in providing the detector output.

The system consists of distance determining means configured to determine a distance from the optical detector to an electrical discharge or its source.

The positive measurement module is:

Calibrated to determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector by matching the calibrated detector parameter with the one stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith. Detector parameters are used as input to the calibration data;

Is configured to determine the measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge by receiving the distance to the electrical discharge from the distance detection means and multiplying the retrieved calibrated quantity measurement by the square of the distance quotient,

The distance quotient is the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the calibrated distance between the optical detector and the source of the electrical discharge to which the optical detector has been calibrated.

The positive measurement module is configured to apply an atmospheric or environmental calibration factor for the determined positive measurement.

The system is configured to include a calibration module configured to determine a calibration set point for each monitored parameter.

The calibration module is configured to calibrate the detector parameters of the detector against changing input optical radiation to maintain or maintain the detector output and/or electrical parameters at the calibration set point.

The calibration module determines and stores in the memory device a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and a measurement of each determined and stored calibrated amount. Configured to determine calibration data by determining and storing the associated detector parameters required to keep the detector output and/or electrical parameters constant at the determined set point for.

The gain controller module is configured to adjust the gain of the optical detector by operating the multiplier voltage means to change the gain applied thereby, or the duty cycle of the gate pulse to which the gain controller module is applied to the optical cathode associated with the optical detector. And, thereby effectively adjusting the gain of the optical detector.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as a method of measuring electrical discharge having a discharge size, the electrical discharge causes a corresponding emission of optical radiation,

Way:

Providing an optical detector to receive and process optical radiation from the optical receiver device to generate optical radiation;

Storing in the memory device predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and corresponding detector parameters, wherein the detector parameters are operating parameters associated with the optical detector, Remembering;

In order to determine the measurement of the amount associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge detected thereby, a method is provided comprising receiving and processing specific detector parameters together with stored calibration data.

In this example embodiment, the detector parameter is an electrical parameter associated with the operation of the optical detector, the detector output is related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, and the calibrated amount of measurement is the temperature associated with the electrical discharge. And one of the irradiance values.

The optical detector comprises: an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, multiplier means coupled to the optical cathode operable to apply a gain to the photoelectron and amplify it; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons into output photons as detector outputs.

The method comprises configuring the electrical parameters, the electrical parameters being current drawn by the anode and/or photocathode of the optical detector, in use, in providing the detector output.

The method determines the associated calibrated amount of measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector by matching the determined electrical parameter with that stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement of the calibration amount associated therewith. Using the determined electrical parameters as input to calibration data;

Determining or measuring a distance from the optical detector to an electrical discharge or its source;

And multiplying the retrieved calibrated amount measurement by the square of the distance quotient to configure to determine a measurement of the amount associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge,

The distance quotient is the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the calibrated distance between the optical detector and the source of the electrical discharge to which the optical detector has been calibrated.

The method comprises setting the gain of the optical detector to the maximum;

By calibrating detector parameters against changing input optical radiation from a calibration electrical discharge source,

Comprising the step of calibrating the optical detector device,

The step of calibrating determines and memorizes a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and stores the measured value of each determined and memorized calibrated amount. And determining the calibration data by determining and storing the associated detector parameters for.

The calibration data is constructed comprising a calibration curve of a calibrated amount of measurements versus a detector parameter or a lookup table, and thus comprising the step of using the calibrated detector parameter as an input to the calibration curve or lookup table, thereby Determine the measured value of the corresponding calibrated amount.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as a system for measuring an electric discharge having a discharge size, the electric discharge causes a corresponding emission of optical radiation,

The system:

An optical detector for receiving and processing optical radiation from the optical receiver device to generate optical radiation;

A memory device configured to store predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a detector parameter corresponding thereto, the detector parameter being an operating parameter associated with the optical detector;

A system characterized by comprising a quantity measurement module configured to receive and process specific detector parameters along with stored calibration data and to determine a quantity measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge detected thereby.

The detector parameter is an electrical parameter associated with the operation of the optical detector, the detector output is related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, and the calibrated amount of measurement is one of the temperature and irradiance values associated with the electrical discharge. Including.

The optical detector comprises: an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, multiplier means coupled to the optical cathode operable to apply a gain to the photoelectron and amplify it; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons into output photons as detector outputs.

The system comprises a current determination module configured to determine electrical parameters, the electrical parameters being, in use, the current drawn by the anode and/or photocathode of the optical detector in providing the detector output.

The positive measurement module is:

To determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector, by matching the determined electrical parameter with that stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith, the determined electrical parameter Is used as input to the calibration data;

Determine or measure the distance to the electrical discharge or its source from the optical detector;

Configured to determine a measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge, by multiplying the retrieved calibrated quantity of the measurement by the square of the distance quotient,

The distance quotient is the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the calibrated distance between the optical detector and the source of the electrical discharge to which the optical detector has been calibrated.

The system,

Set the gain of the optical detector to the maximum;

And a calibration module configured to calibrate detector parameters against changing input optical radiation from a calibration electrical discharge source,

The calibration module determines and stores in the memory device a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and a measured value of each determined and stored calibrated amount. Configured to determine calibration data for, and, by storing, in the memory device, calibration data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as a method of operating an optical detector,

Comprising the step of calibrating the optical detector to determine the calibration data, characterized in that the calibration data indicates the gain required to constant the detector output of the optical detector device for the input optical irradiance changes. How to do.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, as a method of operating the optical detector device,

Maintaining the detector output of the optical detector device at a constant level by changing the gain of the optical detection device in response to receiving the input optical radiation; And using the resulting gain to determine the amount of input optical radiation received by the optical detector device.

According to the present invention, improvements are made to an apparatus, method and system for remotely measuring and determining electrical discharges, for example corona discharges.

1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
2 shows another schematic view of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
3 shows a schematic block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
4 shows a schematic block diagram of another system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
5 shows a high level schematic block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
6 shows a graph of photon count versus gain of an optical detector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
7 shows a graph of the power of a source of an optical detector device versus a photon blob area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
8 shows a graph of total photon area versus gain of an optical detector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
9 shows a calibration curve of an example of input irradiance versus gain of an optical detector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
10 shows a high level flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
11 shows another high level flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
12 shows another high level flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
13 shows a low level flow diagram of a method of measuring corona discharge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
14 shows a low level flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
15 shows a low level flow diagram of a method for calibrating an optical detector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; And
16 shows a schematic representation of a machine in a computer system in the form of an example in which a set of instructions for causing the machine to perform any one or more methodologies discussed herein may be executed.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are views of an apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Typically, the device 10 is associated with a conventional video camera, used for real-time detection of electrical discharge from the source 12, which may be associated with one high voltage electrical equipment, eg an insulator on a high voltage transmission line. It is a similar camera device. Electrical discharges or corona discharges have a discharge magnitude and are responsible for causing the corresponding emission of optical radiation to occur in the ultraviolet spectrum with emitted photons having a wavelength between 240 and 400 nm.

The camera 10 is operable to generate and display a video image 11 of a visible scene, and also, if necessary, in real time, a measure of the amount of electrical magnitude associated with the electrical discharge of the visible scene. It is configured to measure and overlay. The camera 10 may be hand-held, or mounted at a fixed location or used from a helicopter platform (meaning that it is used by helicopter personnel inspecting flight and line hardware along the power line).

It is understood that the insulator may or may not have a problematic electrical discharge, such as corona discharge associated therewith. However, the camera device 10 is operable to inspect in a place that does not actually contact at a long distance D from potential electric discharge. In this way, the device 10 allows the user to detect or determine the occurrence of corona discharge in a scene or scene seen by the camera device 10. Moreover, the camera device 10 allows the user to determine the magnitude of the corona discharge at a distance D, which effectively makes it possible to determine a given power loss in the insulator without the same potentially dangerous physical inspection.

For this purpose, the camera 10 is provided with a portable housing (which defines at least one, in particular two, optical openings 14.1 and 14.2) so that the optically radiating portable housing 14 radiating from the outside enters the housing 14. 14). In addition, the housing 14 comprises an eyepiece 14.3 for use by the user, as described below. The eyepiece 14.3 can be displaced relative to the housing in a pivot-style similar to a conventional eyepiece associated with a conventional video camera or camcorder. In addition, the portable housing 14 is configured to include a handle 14.4 that facilitates portable handling of the camera device 10.

The portable housing 14 accommodates all electronic devices, three optical channels associated with the camera device 10, and data processing equipment. To protect the openings 14.1 and 14.2, the portable housing 14 is therefore shielded from undesirable ambient light or optical radiation or shields the sensor from electromagnetic interference.

The aperture 14.1 is typically optically aligned with the optical receiver device 16 operable to receive optical radiation from the scene. The optical radiation from the scene consists of at least ultraviolet, infrared, and human visible light. The optical radiation of interest received through the aperture 14.1 is typically multi-spectral light in the ultraviolet and visible light spectrum. By the way, it is noted that the device 10 is operable to process the infrared light received through the aperture 14.2 as shown in FIG. Embodiments include a long wavelength sensitive infrared sensor that converts optical radiation to an electrical signal that indicates the temperature of the subject after treatment. Therefore, the embodiment of the camera 10 can simultaneously measure heat and discharge of an electrical object.

In some cases, the optical receiver device 16 may be configured to include one or more light collectors or lenses and a beam splitter 16.1 and a beam reflector 16.2, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2. The optical receiver 16 comprises one or more filters that act as band pass filters, blocking long wavelength photons and passing corona photons. The lens can be of either refractive or reflective properties. It is noted that in other example embodiments, although not shown, instead of the beam splitters 16.1 and 16.2, the camera device 10 can be configured with two openings for the same purpose. It is noted that there is one beam splitter 16.2 that splits the ultraviolet rays of the incoming rays and then one or two beam mirrors until the rays pass through the device 16. In a preferred example embodiment, there is one beam splitter 16.1 that splits the ultraviolet rays of the incoming rays and then one or two beam mirrors 16.2 until the rays pass through the filter 16.

The camera apparatus 10 is constituted by including image forming means 18 configured to form images of visible, ultraviolet and infrared optical radiation received by the optical receiver apparatus 16. The image forming means may include a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device, or the like.

The camera device 10 is further configured to include a measurement system or device 20 configured to determine, from the received optical radiation, a positive measurement (value) associated with the discharge magnitude of the electrical discharge. The measurement system 20 is discussed in more detail below.

The device 10 is further configured to further include a display device 22 for displaying an image formed by the image forming means 18. The display device 22 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, or the like. Typically, the display device 22 allows the user to see the scene in which the camera device 10 is operatively directed during use. The display device 22 can be located within the housing 14 and can be viewed by the user through an eye piece 14.3. However, this need not be the case as if the display device 22 could be provided as a displacement flap in a manner similar to a viewfinder on a conventional camcorder.

In addition, the device 10 is configured to include an image processor 24 to construct overlay information indicating a determined amount of measurement/value on the image displayed by the display device 22. In this way, the value of the amount of potential corona discharge seen through the camera device 10 can be determined by the user. For example, the user can then determine whether corona discharge is dangerous.

Image processor 24 may be configured to include one or more microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable computing device, resources, hardware (electronics), software, or embedded logic to operate as described herein. Can.

The camera device 10 is further configured to further include user interface means 26 for receiving input from a user to instruct the operation of various functions of the camera device 10. The user interface means 26 provides a plurality of buttons, displays, and the like to provide the user with user selectable operation parameters associated with the device 10 and, consequently, to receive user selection for operation of the camera device 10. It can be configured to include.

Further, the camera device 10 is configured to include a power source 28 in the form of a conventional rechargeable battery pack or the like to supply power to electronic devices in the camera device 10. For example, the power source 28 can be configured including a lithium ion battery. Instead or additionally, the power source 28 can be configured to include a main power supply.

Although not shown, it is understood that camera device 10 may be configured to include a plurality of electronic components and circuits to operate as described herein. By the way, in Fig. 2, there are other features of the camera device 10 shown. In particular, the camera device 10 is configured to include detector synchronization means 30 in order to provide a positive measurement, to synchronize other detectors with each other and with the ultraviolet measurement system, or its components.

Further, the apparatus 10 is constituted by including image fusion means 32 and image coloring means 34. For completeness, it is noted that means 32 and/or 34 are configured to overlay artificial colors on the generated visible image, thereby providing additional information regarding temperature and corona power within a single image. do. Means 34 in the preferred example embodiment are optional.

The means 30, 32 and 34 can be, for example, stand-alone electronic circuits controllable by the image processor 24. Instead or additionally, each of these can be an identifiable portion of code, computational or executable instructions, data, or computational objects to achieve a particular function, operation, process, or process. Moreover, each of these can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

The image processor 24 may be configured to include a video encoder module 36 to encode image processing processed in a PAL (Phase Alternating Line), NTSC (National Television System Committee) format/system.

Further, the camera device 10 comprises a plurality of other conventional electronic components 38, which are configured to provide data for user selection via the user interface means 26 and display device 22. It is processed and displayed. For example, there are Global Positioning System (GPS) units, temperature sensors, clocks, ambient pressure sensors, relative humidity sensors, and means of inputting distances to potential corona sources 12.

In addition, the camera device 10 has a number of input and output ports to collect data and provide it to the user.

The camera device 10 may be configured to include a flash memory device 40 to facilitate storage of processed images. It is noted that a video image of a scene recorded by the camera device 10 can be stored through the device 40. This can be achieved in a similar way to conventional camcorders.

Instead or additionally, for the display device 22, the camera device 10 has video output means 42 for facilitating the output of the processed image to the external display, or for the transmission of the processed or recorded video image. ).

It is understood that the processor 24 is configured to process the received UV image by thresholding it after integrating it in time to remove noise photons and increase gain. The module 24 simply overlays the processed data on the visible image to form a blob on the image, where corona discharge occurs. In some example embodiments, the overlay is a suitable color based on the new amount of corona intensity calculation described below. The IR picture is simply overlaid.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, measurement systems according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are generally indicated by reference numerals 50 and 80, respectively. Although the measurement system 20 described above can be selected from one or both of the systems 50 and 80, in some example embodiments, the system 50, 80 or component is a geographically spread separate independent measurement system. Can be. For example, system 50, 80 may be a standalone, e.g., offline system, e.g., equipment failure monitoring system, configured to generate a suitable alarm in response to an undesirable operating parameter measured or determined thereby. Can.

In some example embodiments (not discussed in more detail), the user can select through user interface means 26, which system 50, 80 can be used to determine the amount of corona discharge. 10), when used, is required to be employed. In some example embodiments, both systems 50 and 80 are provided within camera device 10, but these are discussed separately for ease of explanation.

First, referring to the system 50, the system 50 includes an optical detector device, an electron amplifier detector device or an optical cathode 56, multiplier means 58 in the form of a micro channel plate (MCP) and an anode 60 It is configured to include an image enhancer 54 is configured, wherein the MCP 58 is noted that it is operably disposed between the optical cathode 56 and the anode (60).

It is understood that the photocathode 56 is configured to convert photons associated with input optical radiation from an electrical discharge incident on it into photoelectrons. The photocathode 56 is typically an input window to the system 50 and is configured to be exposed to the source 12 to receive optical radiation or ultraviolet light/radiation associated with electrical discharge. In some example embodiments, light collecting or concentrating means comprising lenses and filters may be provided adjacent the photocathode 56 to collect light from an electrical discharge, eg, the ultraviolet spectrum.

The photocathode 56 is constructed from a material, such as a bialkalai material, for converting photons from the received optical radiation to electrons, which material changes the energy level of the photons within the ultraviolet spectrum associated with the optical radiation. Selected to match. In a preferred example embodiment, as the cesium telluride atomic electron band gap matches the energy level of the photons in the ultraviolet spectrum (eg 200-280 nm), the photocathode 56 is cesium telluride (Cs-Te) It is constructed from a circular disk. In this way, photocathode 56 converts photons to photoelectrons, or electrical signals, only in response to receiving photons within a desired ultraviolet spectrum range associated with optical radiation from corona discharges, in a discriminative manner. Produces It is also understood that the conversion factor of the focal plane of the device 54 is fixed as determined by the quantum efficiency factor of the photocathode material (Cs-Te). The photocathode current is linearly proportional to the number of photons per second converted to photoelectrons.

It is understood that the current Ip of the photocathode is directly related to the amount of photons incident on it. Therefore, the photocathode current Ip can be determined using the voltage Vr across the 1 GΩ resistor associated with the photocathode 56 and the equation Ip = Vr/R.

The MCP 58 operatively coupled to the photocathode 56 is effectively served as an optoelectronic multiplier to multiply the optoelectronics from the photocathode 56 by a specific gain value or factor G, briefly referred to as gain G below. . In an exemplary embodiment, the MCP 58 comprises a dual stage plate 58 and can provide variable gain G up to 2×10 ⁶ . In the case of the double stage plate 58, the input plate attracts electrons from the photocathode 56 as it operates at ground potential, and the output plate operates at a higher potential, such as +1500 V, The former passing through allows the gain G to be multiplied as previously mentioned. That is, the plate 58 operably amplifies the electrical signals/s received from the optical cathode 56.

The anode 60 is operatively coupled to the MCP 58 and is configured to convert the amplified electrons to output photons. Since it has a relatively high potential of approximately +5000 V to +7000 V, preferably +5500 V, the anode 60 attracts electrons from the MCP 58. The anode 60 includes a fluorescent screen to convert electrons or secondary emitted electrons into photons. The current drawn by the anode 60 is determined by the number of electrons received thereby.

The anode 60 can have an anode current la, which is determined by multiplying the photocatalyst current Ip by the gain G of the plate 58 as given by the following equation:

la = GIp

It is noted that the anode current la is directly proportional to the photocathode current Ip, because of the gain G, and is very easy to measure when used.

At least the above-mentioned components of the device 54 are housed in a cylindrically sealed housing or vacuum tube. The photocathode 56, plate 58, and anode 60 can be planar circular disks spaced a predetermined distance from each other within the housing with an operational critical face parallel to each other.

Although not shown, the system 50 can be configured to include a power source, for example a rechargeable battery pack, and the like, to supply power to the optical detector device 54, including powering it. I understand. Moreover, for ease of illustration, electronic circuits (eg, drive circuits, peripheral circuits and components) associated with system 50 are not shown. In one example embodiment, system 50 is typically powered by power source 28 from camera 10. Embodiment 50 constitutes a switch mode power and voltage doubler circuit to generate a high voltage and drive/power up the individual components 56, 58 and 60 differential amplifiers, thereby embodying the specified components 56, 58 and 60. Individual electrical parameters are measured.

Further, as an option, the system 50 comprises a CMOS device configured to convert the received photons into electrical signals or image forming means 62 comprising a CCD comprising image forming means. The CMOS means 62 is operatively connected to the anode 60 by means of optical fibers, thereby easily forming an image of the photons generated by the anode 60 in a conventional manner. Typically, these photons are indicated by distinct white dots or blobs within the formed image. It follows that the corona discharge appears as a dot or is incorporated into one large dot in the image. The corona dot(s), by reference, are overlaid on the visible image by the image forming means 18 and geographically indicate the exact location of the corona on the high voltage equipment. The color of the corona dot can be selected from a predetermined color. The image formatting means 18 comprises electronic circuitry and software, thereby removing photon noise by discriminating between random noise and corona signals and increasing gain by integrating corona photons over time. The image processor 24 can be configured to overlay an image formed by means 62 on a conventional video image formed by image forming means 18. In this way, the user is provided with an image of the scene along with blobs/s corresponding to the potential electrical discharge associated with the device under test (DUT) in the scene in addition to the measurement of the amount associated therewith.

In some cases, system 50 is configured to include a current measurement module 64 to at least measure the current of anode 60. This can be done in a conventional manner using Ohm's law, especially the voltage across the 1 kΩ resistor associated with the anode 60, for example. For this purpose, the module 64 can be electrically coupled to the anode 60, for example, via a hardwired connection.

It is noted that in some example embodiments not shown or described, the module 64 may be operatively connected to the photocathode 56 to determine the photocathode current Ip. However, as the photocathode current Ip is relatively small compared to the anode current la, this may become more difficult than measuring the anode current la.

In addition, system 50 is typically configured to include a processor or processor device 66. The processor 66 stores a memory device 68 that stores thereon or thereon non-transitory computer readable instructions of data and sets to control or direct the operation of the processor 66 and thus the system 50. It can be configured to include, or can be combined by communication. The memory device 68 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. It is understood that the processor 66 may comprise one or more microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable computing device, resources, hardware, software, or embedded logic. Moreover, all processors described herein can form part of the processor 24 of the camera device 10. However, for ease of explanation, the processor will be discussed as a separate processor.

The processor 66 may include a plurality of components or modules, which correspond to functional tasks performed by the processor 66 and thus the system 50. In this regard, “module” in the context of the present specification may be, for example, code stored in device 68, computational or executable instructions, data, or computational to achieve a particular function, operation, processing, or process. It is understood to include an identifiable portion of the subject. Modules do not have to be implemented only in software; The module can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Moreover, modules do not necessarily need to be integrated within one device, and can be spread across multiple devices.

The processor 66, along with predetermined calibration data stored in the memory device 68 to determine the amount of input optical radiation received by the optical detector device 54, is the anode determined by the current measurement module 64 It comprises an input irradiance determination module 70 configured to use a current la. The calibration data can be stored in the memory device 68 and can be configured to include information indicating the associated input optical radiation and corresponding anode current electrical value between them. In particular, the calibration data can be configured to include a predetermined calibration curve or function of the anode current la and the input optical radiation received by the optical detector device 54 such that the module 70 is based on the anode current la or , In particular by using the anode current la, to determine the input optical radiation or the irradiance to the device 54. In this example embodiment, the calibration curve effectively provides the relationship between the anode current la and the input optical radiation.

It is noted that in some example embodiments, calibration data may be in the form of a look-up table that uses anode current la as input to determine the corresponding input irradiance.

Although reference is made in the specification for the use of anode current la, calibrated gain G, etc., for those skilled in the art of the present invention, information indicating these values is referenced for the purpose of processing by the conventional processor 66. You understand.

The memory device 68 may be provided with calibration data preloaded thereon. By the way, in some example embodiments, for example, in the illustrated example embodiment, the processor 66 calibrates the anode current la against the output of the detector device 54, for example, the input irradiance. It comprises a calibration module 72 configured to generate calibration data. For example, module 72, during calibration, records the anode current la in response to the changing radiation of the source incident on the device 54 and plots the anode current la against the input radiation roughness for the calibration curve. To do so, it can be enabled in response to a calibration source that is operatively close to the device 54. Each device 54 can be calibrated to determine calibration data in the manner described herein.

It is understood that the determined calibration curve can be used to determine a calibration function configured to receive the anode current la as an input and return the input radiation illuminance or la=f (radiation illuminance) there as an output. The input irradiance is determined by watts/cm ² or watts/m ² or photons/sec.

The phrase "radiation intensity incident on device 54" or "input radiation intensity" refers to the radiation intensity operatively received by the optical cathode 56 of device 54, ie the radiation intensity of the source of the corona discharge. -It means radiation flux. In this regard, it is desirable to determine information indicating actual power loss at the corona source 12, as this information facilitates easy diagnosis of defects, range of defects, and the like.

For this purpose, the processor 66 is also configured to determine an amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge of the source 12 by using the input irradiance determined by the module 70, an amount of measurement module 74 ). In particular, the module 70 is by one over the square of the distance quotient of the measured distance D between the source 12 and the optical detector device 54 and the calibrated distance between the calibration source and the optical device 54. Effectively determine or estimate the amount of power loss (radiation) at source 12 by multiplying the determined radiation received by device 54. The calibration distance is the distance between the calibration source of the corona discharge and device 54 during the calibration of device 54 to obtain calibration data. System 50 may receive, as input through user interface means 26, the distance between the suspicious source of electrical discharge 12 and device 54. Alternatively or additionally, system 50 may be configured to prompt the user through user interface means 26 to substantially position device 54 at a defined distance from corona source 12. Alternatively or additionally, the system 50 may receive the distance between the suspicious source of the electrical discharge 12 and the device 54 as an input through a range finder means or distance determination means 58. The distance determining means 58 may be laser distance determining means 58.

In addition, the quantity measurement module 74 is configured to typically apply an atmospheric or environmental calibration factor such as relative humidity and temperature for the determined quantity measurement to provide more accurate results. The calibration factor can be one of many factors depending on whether the conditions are stored in the memory device 68. The calibration factor is user-selected via user interface means 26, mainly depending on the operation or use time of the system 50 or, in some example embodiments, whether conditions may be selectable by the system 50. It can be possible.

Functionality, as appropriately described herein, allows system 50 to determine the magnitude of corona discharge at a particular location. It should be noted, however, that there are some problems associated with the device 54 that can potentially affect corona discharge determination. For example, the individual MCP channels have different gains G, which cause the photons displayed by CMOS means 62 to have the same energy but to different sizes. In this regard, gain calibration for each tube constructed, including the average calibration across all channels, is of little use when dealing with individual photons. It is noted that photons are discussed, as the input to device 54 is configured to include at least photons from corona discharge.

In another problematic scenario, it is noted that, with high gain or input irradiance, the power source for device 54 cannot supply enough current to supply anode 60. Consequently, this results in a decrease in the gain G of the device 54 (a few anode electrons/second). Further, the size of the corona discharge zone in the image formed by the means 62 is small and large, possibly due to the inability of the power supply to supply sufficient current to the source to form an accurate corona discharge zone in the image. Oscillate between each size.

Moreover, it is noted that the gain G of the device 54 changes depending on the input irradiance, possibly due to the uneven electric field and/or space charge in the plate 58 created at high current levels.

In another scenario, it is required that the threshold is placed on the image associated with the means 62 before the photon can be counted on the image. This is further complicated by very low intensity photons at low gains that result in invisible zones in the image, or relatively high intensity "halos" at high gains. It is noted that automatic threshold-holding techniques are implemented with limited success.

In one other problem scenario, at higher source power of corona discharge and enhancement gain, it becomes difficult to separate and count individual photons. In FIG. 6 from the graph shown, the photon count increases with gain G, up to approximately 60% gain G, starting with a large blob that cannot be counted and separation, which then results in a count that begins to degrade. You will notice.

The user can solve these above mentioned problems by choosing to use the system 80.

Also, referring to FIG. 4 in the figure, it is noted that some components of the system 80 are similar to the system 50, and therefore the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. However, in some aspects, it is noted that similar components may have different functions as described below. It is understood that the system 80 as described herein attempts to at least solve the problems mentioned below.

One important difference between system 50 and system 80 is that the processor or processor device 82 of system 80 differs in some respects from processor 66. In particular, the processor 82 is configured to determine the variation of the detector output relative to an associated predetermined calibration parameter or set point in response to the exposure of the optical detector device 54 to the emission of the optical radiation. And a parameter monitoring module 84, configured to receive information indicating at least one detector output associated with.

For this purpose, the module 84 is configured to compare the received detector output with the corresponding calibration set point. The module 84 can receive, and thus effectively monitor, information indicating the detector 54 or one or more output parameters associated with the detector output.

The detector output monitored by the module 84 includes one or more anode currents la, photon counts in the image generated by the image forming means 62, total photon regions in the image generated by the means 62, and one or more MCP 58 event. In an exemplary embodiment, the term “setpoint” refers to the fixed state of the device 54 relative to the detector output mentioned. For each detector output, there may be at least one calibration set point, around which device 54 is calibrated to determine calibration data as discussed below.

In some example embodiments, there may be one or more set points associated with output parameters. In the embodiment of this example, the calibration setpoint (from the setpoint's range), upon use, is presented to the user through the user interface means 26 and by the user, depending on consideration during operation of the system 80. Can be selected. Additionally, as an option, the user may select the detector output monitored or received by module 84 depending on considerations during operation of system 80. However, in a preferred example embodiment, receipt or monitoring of various detector outputs can be performed automatically. In the latter case, the system 80 can generate and send a suitable message informing the user of the monitored detector output.

The anode current la can be monitored for a “high” power corona, the total photon area (total number of pixels) is monitored for a “middle” power corona, and the photon count (number of blobs) or plate 58 event count is It is monitored for very "low" power corona.

In an example embodiment involving the measurement of a “high power” corona, the module 84 is configured to monitor or receive information indicative of the anode current la and compare it to the associated setpoint stored in the device 68. Can be. In some example embodiments, the calibration set point need not be a single value, but can be configured including a calibration band, which enables the measurement of the amount of corona discharge in the manner described herein, the important being It is noted that this is the relationship between the detector output and an optional calibration parameter or set point, including a calibration band in this case. In the preferred example embodiment, the received detector output should be substantially equal to the calibration set point.

In some cases, if the monitored anode current la is less than or equal to the corresponding calibration set point for the anode current la, the module 84 monitors or receives information indicating the entire photon region. Similarly, if the monitored total photon area is below the corresponding calibration set point for the total photon area, module 84 monitors the photon count or micro-charge plate current event. It is noted that the processor 82 may comprise one or more image processing modules configured to process images from the means 62 to determine the detector output described by reference.

With respect to the total photon region in the image, it is noted from FIG. 7 that the entire region of the blob in the image generated by means 62 is related to the input irradiance or source power in watts as shown. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, there is a relationship between the total photon region and the gain G of the device 54.

In some cases, for all of the detector outputs mentioned, the gain G of the device 54 is varied with varying input irradiance. In this regard, typically, the processor 82 responds to the module 84 that determines the variation in the received detector output and thereby maintains a predetermined relationship between the received detector output and the corresponding calibration set point, And a gain controller module 86 automatically configured to adjust the gain G of the optical detector device 54 for the corrected gain value. The predetermined relationship can be such that the detector output is substantially equal to the calibration set point. Note that the calibrated gain value is not a predetermined value, but is a gain value, and here or in that calibration factor, it is noted that the gain G is calibrated or adjusted to generate and/or maintain a detector output substantially equal to the corresponding calibration set point. do.

The module 86 controls the gain of the device 54 by operating the microchannel plate voltage 58 to change the gain applied thereby. Instead or additionally, module 86 controls the gain of device 54 by varying the duty cycle of the gate pulse applied to photocathode 56. That is, electronic shuttering of the device 54 occurs, controlling the number of photons processed by the device 54, and substantially maintaining the detector output or anode current at a set point.

The gain G is usually set at the initial maximum value, and when monitoring the anode current la, if it is greater than the corresponding calibration set point, the gain controller module 86 displays the monitored anode current la with the corresponding calibration set point. The gain G of the optical detector device 54 is automatically reduced to a gradually corrected gain value until it is equal. As mentioned above, the calibrated gain value is gain G, in which the device 54 is adjusted, so that the anode current la is substantially equal to the corresponding calibration set point.

Similarly, when monitoring the entire photon region, if the total photon region is greater than the corresponding calibration set point, the gain G of the optical detector device 54 is compared with the corresponding calibration set point at the monitored total photon region calibrated gain value. In order to gradually decrease to an equivalent calibrated gain value, gain controller module 86 may be configured.

Moreover, when monitoring photon counts or microchannel plate event counts, if the total count is greater than the corresponding calibration set point, then the gain G of the optical detector device 54 is calibrated equal to the monitored count equal to the corresponding calibration set point. In order to reduce the gain value, the gain controller module 86 can be configured.

Further, the processor 82 may comprise a gain determination module 88 configured to determine a corrected gain value for this or for a calibration factor, whereby the gain G of the device 54 is calibrated or adjusted. , Maintain a monitored detector output substantially equivalent to the calibration set point.

Although having some functionality with the similar module 74 of the system 50 of FIG. 3, the positive measurement module 74 of the processor 82 is a calibrated gain value determined to determine a measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge. It is understood to be configured to use. In particular, module 74 is configured to use a determined calibrated gain value along with predetermined calibration data stored in memory device 68 to be received by input optical radiation, irradiance, or optical detector device 54 Determines the amount of temperature associated therewith, where calibration data in system 80 comprises input optical radiation and information indicating the corresponding gain value (for a particular set point) of the associated optical detector device 54 do. It is noted that this is distinguished from the determination of the input irradiance as described above with reference to module 70 of system 50 of FIG. 3.

The module 74 of the system 80 then determines the measurement of the amount of electrical discharge of the source or corona discharge by using the irradiance input determined in the manner described below. However, normally, this data may be previously determined and stored in a corresponding lookup table for a plurality of different distances from the corona discharge. In this example embodiment, the user can be prompted or select the distance of the device 54 from the corona source. Instead or additionally, the distance can be obtained automatically from accessory 38.

Note that the calibration data stored in the memory device 68 of the system 80 is different from the calibration data stored in the memory device 68 of the system 50. In particular, the calibration data stored in the memory device 68 of the system 80 can be configured to include a calibration function for each calibrated set point associated with the detector output, as described below. The calibration function provides a gain G, or gain value, of the optical detector device 54 as a function of the input irradiance for each calibration set point, so that the calibrated gain value determines the corresponding input irradiance It can be used as an input to.

In a preferred example embodiment, the calibration data can be configured to include a calibration curve of input radiance versus gain G, so module 74 can use the determined corrected gain value as input to the calibration curve, thereby By determining a corresponding input irradiance corresponding to the input irradiance for a particular associated calibration set point. A calibration curve can be provided for each calibration set point associated with the detector output.

In a more practical example embodiment, the calibration data can be configured to include a look-up table of corresponding input irradiance value gain G for a particular calibration set point, such that the received detector output and associated calibration for a particular input irradiance To maintain the predetermined relationship between set points, the selected calibrated gain value is used as input to a lookup table associated with a calibration set point that effectively outputs the corresponding irradiance. In other words, each calibration set point may have specific calibration data, eg, a suitable lookup table associated with it. For example, referring to FIG. 9, for a constant detector output in the photon region, a calibration curve of input irradiance versus gain G is shown with a calibration set point of 2000 pixels.

Since all detector outputs are related to the current through the device 54, this is preferably the current through the device 54 and, for example, by maintaining a constant electric field influence, power supply saturation constant, for example The problem mentioned in solves.

To obtain calibration data, system 80 is configured to include a calibration module 90 that is operable to determine calibration setpoints for each monitored detector output, as well as calibration data associated therewith. In addition, the calibration module 90 may be operable to calibrate the optical detector device 54 by calibrating its gain G against changing input optical radiation, whereby the optical detector device 54 ) At least one detector output remains substantially at least constant at one associated calibration set point. The module 90 may be operable to select a calibration set point for a particular detector output at 10% of the maximum value. The gain G can be selected in a predetermined increment, and the input irradiance is changed by changing the calibration source of the discharge, for example, until the selected calibration set point is reached. In this way, the module 90 can record the gain G and the specific input irradiance that each calibration set point reaches for the varying input irradiance. The module 90 can be enabled in this form for each detector output of interest, for each gain value and for a calibration set point, as described below.

When the measurement system described herein is provided within the camera 10, each camera 10 is calibrated in a similar fashion to determine calibration data as described herein.

In Fig. 5, another high level schematic drawing according to an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary embodiment is shown. The system shown in FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the system processes input from a fluorescent screen and/or CCD and image enhancer to control the image enhancer, It comprises a processor that determines the measurement of the amount of electrical discharge in the manner described herein.

Example embodiments are further described when used with reference to FIGS. 10-15. It is understood that the example method may be applicable to other systems and also apparatus (not shown), but the example method shown in FIGS. 10-15 is described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 as used.

Referring to FIG. 10 of the drawings, a high level flow diagram of a method 92 according to an example embodiment is shown. Typically, the camera device 10 is conveyed to a location required to detect a detection corona discharge, for example a location adjacent to an electrical insulator. The camera device 10 is then positioned substantially at a predetermined distance from the electrical insulator. The user selects an option for measuring the electrical discharge of the system 50 or 80, for example, or selects a parameter such as a calibration set point. As described herein, the set point can be predetermined and fixed for the monitored detector output or anode current. Then, the user operates the camera device 10 by aiming the camera device 10 at the scene of the electrical insulator. Essentially, this step at least optically aligns the opening 14.1 with the insulator.

The method 92 comprises, at block 94, receiving optical radiation from a scene seen through the camera device 10. The received optical radiation is directed through the aperture 14.1 to the optical receiver device 16, where it is split through the beam splitter 16.1 and the beam mirror 16.2.

The light received through one of the beam splitters/mirrors 16.1, 16.2 is used, at block 95, to form an image of visible optical radiation received in a conventional manner by the image forming means 18.

The method 92 comprises, at block 96, as determined herein, comprising determining a positive measurement associated with the discharge size, eg, through the systems 20, 50, 80. As mentioned, the received light of interest in this aspect is UV light.

The method 92 then, at block 98, at least overlaps information indicating a determined amount of the measured amount of electrical discharge detected on the image formed by the image forming means 18 to produce a processed image, In block 95, it comprises a step of processing the image formed by the image forming means 18. The method 92 is then configured to include operating the device 22 to display the processed image in substantially real time. Further, the image of the discharge formed by the second image forming means 62 coupled to the anode of the optical detector or photons associated therewith is combined with the image formed by the image means 18. In this way, the user sees through an insulator, for example an eye piece 14.3 of the camera device 10, and receives a video image of the insulator along with the area of the insulator in a substantially real time, where electricity The discharge is presented superimposed on the spot or blob, and the positive value of the discharge is provided as a video image, for example on the corner of the display. In this way, the user can then detect the potential degree of damage to the insulator in terms of a determined positive value as well as corona discharge in the insulator in a non-contact fashion.

Referring to FIG. 11, a high level flow diagram of a non-contact method 100 for measuring corona discharge over a long distance is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 100 comprises, at block 102, comprising providing an optical detector device 54, as described below. Typically, a detector 54 is provided at a determined or defined distance from a corona discharge source and adjacent to it, in use, to measure its size positively and remotely. As mentioned, the detector 54 can form part of the camera device 10, which determines in real time, visually the magnitude of the discharge of the corona, which is for example the image generated by means 62 It can be provided in still or video. It is noted that the method 100 can be specifically described with reference to the system 50 of FIG. 3.

The method 100 is configured at block 104, including determining the anode current la associated with the anode 60, eg, via the module 64.

The method 100 then includes, at block 106, determining the input irradiance for the input device 54 by using the determined anode current la and the predetermined calibration data stored in the device 68. It is configured by. The calibration data can be constructed by including a calibration curve of anode current la vs. input radiation intensity, so that by using the determined anode current la as input to it, the corresponding input radiation intensity is read from the calibration curve. The calibration curve is typically determined during calibration of device 54 and thus system 50 as described below. The method 100 can be configured including the preceding step of setting the gain G to a maximum before determining the input irradiance.

The method 100 then, at block 108, uses an determined amount of input optical radiation received by the optical detector device 54, for example as described above with reference to the module 74, to perform electrical discharge. And determining the measurement of the quantity associated with the size of. In this step, the input irradiance is the received power and the optical cathode 56 and does not need much use for the user, while the measurement of the amount associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge is the actual optical power loss by the equipment at the location of the corona discharge. As it relates to, it is important that this information can be used, for example, to determine serious defects and the like.

Note that the method 100 further comprises a preceding step of calibrating the anode current la of the device 54, inputting the input irradiance with gain at maximum, thereby obtaining at least calibration data. Is done.

Returning to FIG. 12 of the figure, a flow chart of another method according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 110. Where applicable, some comments are recalled with reference to FIG. 11 and apply equally to the discussion of FIG. 12. Moreover, it is noted that the method 110 is described with reference to the system 80 of FIG. 4.

The method 110 comprises, in block 112, providing an optical detector device 54 in a similar fashion, as in step 102 of the method 100.

Method 110 comprises, at block 114 (eg, via module 84), receiving or monitoring at least one of the detector output and anode current associated with the optical detector device 54, In response to the exposure of the optical detector device 54 to corona discharge, the variation of the received or monitored detector output and/or anode current relative to the associated predetermined calibration set point is determined.

The method 110 may then, at block 116, automatically calibrate the gain G of the optical detector device 54 to a calibrated gain value by module 86 or in response to a variation in the received detector output. Configured to automatically calibrate by a factor to maintain a predetermined relationship between the detector output received thereby and the corresponding calibration set point. Method 110 may be configured at block 118, including determining the corrected gain value or calibration factor by module 88 as described above.

The method 110 then inputs, at block 120, the determined calibrated gain value or calibration factor to the calibration data stored in the device 68, associated with a calibration setpoint associated with the monitored or received detector output. It comprises the steps of using as, to determine the corresponding input irradiance received by the device 54 in the manner described below with reference to the module 74 of the system 80.

The method 110 is then configured, at block 122, to determine a measure of the amount associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge by the module 74, in the manner described below.

Referring to FIG. 13 of the drawings, another flowchart for measuring or determining corona discharge positively is generally indicated by reference numeral 130. Method 130 may be a lower level description of method 110 of FIG. 12. However, it is understood that this is not necessarily the case. As mentioned above, there may be several detector outputs, for example monitored by system 80 to determine corona discharge positively. In some example embodiments, these detector outputs may be user-selected, but in some example embodiments, they are determined automatically or on their own, depending on the operating conditions associated with system 80, and the like.

In certain cases, the method 130 comprises, at block 132, setting the microchannel plate (MCP) gain voltage to a constant voltage. The image enhancer or optical detector gain is adjusted by changing the gate pulse width (PWM) instead of the gain voltage. Then, this advantage is that the blob size and intensity remain independent of the image enhancer gain.

The method 130 is then configured at block 133, including defocusing the camera, if the detector output is a photon count or blob area count, as this simplifies the image counting process. Note that for the anode current and MCP event count output parameters, defocusing is not required. In block 134, a set point is found and the gate pulse width required to achieve the set point area for a given source power is automatically determined. In this regard, a reference is also made to FIG. 14, where a flow chart of the method for determining the set point is shown and denoted by reference numeral 150.

In particular, at block 151, two variables are maintained (low and high), which determine lower and higher limits on the gate pulse width at which binary search is performed to determine the set point within it.

The gate pulse width (PWM) is set to 50% in block 152.

The detector output/output parameter or anode current is then measured at block 153. The detector output can be configured including the total photon blob area (preferred parameter), photon count, and MCP event count. The blob area, photon count and MCP event count are measured by averaging parameters over 80 video frames. The anode current can be read directly, as it is already averaged.

If the output parameter is less than the set point (within the noise limit), at block 154, the gate pulse width is increased.

If the output parameter is greater than the set point (within the noise limit), at block 155, the gate pulse width is reduced.

At block 156, if the lower PWM limit is greater than or equal to the higher PWM limit, an error is signaled as no set point is found.

It is noted that the higher limit for the gate pulse width search increases at block 157 for the current gate pulse width. A lower limit for the gate pulse width search can be increased at block 158 at the current gate pulse width.

A new value for the gate pulse width is selected in block 159, halfway between the lower and upper limits.

Returning to FIG. 13, the gate pulse width found in FIG. 12 described above is used in block 135 to be used to interpolate the calibration graph or data according to the present invention to determine "corona temperature".

The determined temperature is then used in blocks 136, 137, and 138 to calculate power in Watts using Planck's blackbody formula:

15 of the figure, another flow diagram of the method 160 is shown. Method 160 may be a method for calibrating system 80 to at least obtain calibration data. Method 160 can be used for all detector output and/or anode currents as described above. However, this is widely discussed without specific reference to any particular detector output, unless indicated otherwise. In certain examples in which the embodiments are not described in more detail, calibration can be used for a range of set points for each detector output, such that each detector output is associated with associated calibration data, such as a calibration curve, lookup table, and the like. The range of the calibration setpoints should be set together with each setpoint having.

Note that, in certain cases, the microchannel plate (MCP) gain voltage is set to a constant voltage at block 162. As mentioned above, the image enhancer or optical detector gain can then be adjusted by changing the gate pulse width (PWM) instead of the gain voltage. The advantage is that the blob size and intensity are then maintained independently of the image enhancer gain.

It is noted that the method 160 is used to calibrate the camera as described below. Therefore, the method 160 is configured, at block 164, if the detector output is a photon count or a blob area count, including defocusing the camera, as this simplifies the image counting process. For anode current and MCP event count, defocusing is not required.

In block 166, the camera's noise floor covers the front lens and ramps the gate pulse width modulated (PWM) signal from 0% to 100%, while detecting the detector output or anode current, respectively. It is determined by measuring at the gate pulse width. This gives dark noise for each PWM setting.

In block 168, the minimum measurable blackbody temperature is determined by setting the PWM to 100% and gradually increasing the blackbody temperature until a parameter reading over 10% of the noise floor is reached. The minimum measurable temperature is mainly affected by camera optics.

Method 160 comprises, at block 170, setting the blackbody temperature to a minimum measurable temperature.

In block 172, the detector output and/or anode current is determined at the maximum PWM (100%).

The set point is selected at block 174 to be 90% of the parameter measured at step 172. It is understood that the detector output and/or anode current, in the context of this specification, may appear to be an output parameter. The anode current can be amplified by the system described herein, through a suitable circuit to measure it.

The method 160 is then processed according to method 150 as described above, where the gate pulse width required to achieve a set point for a given source power is automatically determined.

The temperature and gate pulse width are recorded in block 176 as part of the calibration data for the camera, as one calibration point. This data is stored in a lookup table or the like.

From blocks 178 and 180, it is understood that the calibration continues until the blackbody temperature reaches 1500° C., creating a plurality of temperatures versus PWM, maintaining the set point.

The distance between the calibration source and the optical detector or image enhancer is recorded for use, to calculate the power of the measured electrical discharge. This may include multiplying the determined power of the electrical discharge by the square of the distance quotient during the measurement, as described above, where the distance quotient is the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the optical detector and the optical detector are calibrated. It is the quotient of the calibrated distance between the sources of the electrical discharges that were bred,

By using method 160, system 80 is calibrated to obtain calibration data, which facilitates rapid processing in the step of positively determining corona discharge.

It is understood that the calibration of any of the systems 50 or 80 as described below effectively includes a calibration of the camera device 10 as described herein.

16 shows a schematic representation of a machine in an example computer system 200 within which a set of instructions discussed herein for a machine to perform any one or more methodologies may be executed. In other example embodiments, the machine may operate as a standalone device or be connected (eg, networked) to other machines. In the networked example embodiment, the machine can operate within the capabilities of a server or client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. have. The machine may perform actions taken on a personal computer (PC), tablet PC, set-top box (STB), personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, web appliance, network router, switch or bridge, or machine. It can be any machine capable of executing a particular set of instructions (either sequential or otherwise). Moreover, for convenience, only a single machine is shown, but the term “machine” is defined to execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions individually or in combination to perform one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. It is taken to include a collection of machines.

In certain instances, the example computer system 200 includes a processor 202 (eg, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory 204 and a static memory 206 However, they communicate with each other via bus 208. The computer system 200 may further include a video display unit 210 (eg, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). In addition, the computer system 200 includes a character input device 212 (eg, a keyboard), a user interface (UI) navigation device 214 (eg, a mouse, or a touchpad), and a disk drive unit 216 ), a signal generating device 218 (eg, a speaker) and a network interface device 220.

The disk drive unit 216 is machine-readable that stores one or more sets of instructions and data structures (eg, software 224) that employ or use certain one or more methodologies or functions described herein. Possible media 222. Also, the software 224 is present in the main memory 204 and/or the processor 202, either completely or at least partially, during its execution by the computer system 200, the main memory 204 and the processor ( 202) also constitutes a machine-readable medium.

Software 224 is further transmitted or received over network interface device 220 over network 226 using any one of a number of well-known delivery protocols (eg, HTTP).

Although machine-readable medium 222 appears as a single medium in an exemplary embodiment, the term “machine-readable medium” is centralized to store a single medium or multiple media (eg, a set of one or more instructions). Or distributed databases and/or associated caches and servers). The term "machine-readable medium" also refers to a set of instructions that stores, encodes or conveys a set of instructions for execution by a machine and causes the machine to perform any one or more methodologies of the invention. It can be taken to include any medium that stores, encodes or carries the data structures associated or used by it. Thus, the term "machine-readable medium" is not limited thereto. Solid-state memory, optical and magnetic media, and carrier signals.

The present invention, which effectively calibrates the detector device 54 in a fixed state (constant anode current la or constant MCP count) regardless of the input irradiance, eliminates the problem of photon counting due to overlapping photons in an image And attempts to eliminate the problems associated with individual microchannel plate channels with different gains that can result in some photons not visible in the image. The present invention provides a convenient means of detecting and quantifying corona discharge in a non-contact manner.

10-camera,
11-video picture,
28-power source,
30-detector synchronization means
32-means of image fusion.

Claims (53)

A device for detecting and measuring an electrical discharge having a discharge magnitude and causing a corresponding optical radiation emission, the device comprising:
An optical receiver device configured to receive optical radiation from a scene constructed including a source of potential electrical discharge;
First image forming means configured to form an image based on the optical radiation received by the optical receiver device;
As a measurement system:
An optical detector optically coupled to the optical receiver device, the optical detector receiving and processing optical radiation from the optical receiver device to produce a detector output;
A memory device configured to store predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a detector parameter corresponding thereto, the detector parameter being an operating parameter associated with the optical detector;
A measurement system comprising a quantity measurement module configured to receive and process specific detector parameters along with the stored calibration data, thereby detecting electrical discharge, and determining a quantity measurement associated with the magnitude of the detected electrical discharge. and;
A display device for displaying an image formed by the first image forming means; And
And an image processor configured to overlay the determined amount of measurements on the image displayed by the display device. According to claim 1,
The positive measurement module,
Compare the received detector parameters with detector parameters that form part of the calibration data;
Search for calibrated amounts of measurements corresponding to matching detector parameters, according to a match, where the match results in detection of an electrical discharge,
Optionally, by using the retrieved calibrated amount measurement to determine a measurement of the amount associated with the magnitude of the detected electrical discharge,
And configured to process the received detector parameters along with the stored calibration data. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The device is in the form of a portable camera comprising a power supply; The portable housing defines at least one optical opening so that optical radiation emitted from the outside of the portable housing enters the housing, the housing surrounding the components of the device; A device characterized in that it is visually alignable with a display device to allow at least one eye piece to see it. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The optical receiver device is:
A light collector configured to include one or more optical lenses and/or filters to receive optical radiation;
Apparatus characterized in that it comprises a beam splitter optically coupled to the light collector and configured to reflect the spectrum of all or part of the optical radiation received for the image forming means and the measurement system. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The apparatus further comprises distance determining means configured to determine a distance between the apparatus and a potential electrical discharge or its source, and the positive measurement module determines the determined distance in order to determine the measurement of the detected amount of electrical discharge. And a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the received detector parameter. Optionally, the positive measurement module is configured to apply an atmospheric calibration factor in the determination of the positive measurement of the detected electrical discharge. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The apparatus is calibrated for a calibration source of optical radiation, and the calibrated amount of measurements is one or more temperature, radiation intensity, and power associated with the calibration source; Device characterized in that the detector parameters that form part of the calibration data correspond to the measured amount of the calibrated amount. The method of claim 6,
The calibration source is a blackbody calibration source; The positive measurement module is configured to determine the emitter power of the electrical discharge by applying the blackbody equation of the flank:

Device characterized in that. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The optical detector comprises an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, and the multiplier means is coupled to the optical cathode operable to amplify it by applying a gain to the photoelectrons; The anode is configured to convert amplified electrons into output photons as detector outputs. The method of claim 8,
The apparatus is configured to include second image forming means operatively connected to the anode of the optical detector to form an image of photons output thereby, and the image processing means removes the image formed by the second image forming means. And configured to overlay an image formed by one image forming means. The method of claim 8 or 9,
The measurement system comprises a current measurement module configured to determine electrical parameters associated with one of the photocathodes and anodes in processing the optical radiation received to output the photons, and the specific detector received by the positive measurement module Device characterized in that the parameter is a determined electrical parameter. The method of claim 10,
Since the electrical parameter is the anode current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output, the calibration data is a plurality of anode current values associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and the corresponding calibrated amount. It characterized in that it comprises a measured value of the device. The method of claim 8 or 9,
The memory device remembers electrical parameters associated with one of the optical cathode and anode or a predetermined calibration set point associated with the detector output in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output,
Measuring system:
A parameter monitoring module configured to receive information indicative of a detector output or electrical parameter to determine their variation from each calibration set point;
In order to maintain a predetermined relationship between the detector output or electrical parameter and the corresponding calibration set point/s, the corrected detection parameter in response to the determination of the variation of the detector output or electrical parameter received from each calibration set point It comprises a gain controller module configured to calibrate or adjust the detector parameters of the optical detector with respect to,
The specific detector parameter that can be received for processing by the positive measurement module is a calibrated detection parameter, and the calibration data comprises a detector parameter associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a corresponding calibrated positive measurement. In discharge, a device characterized in that a predetermined relationship is maintained between the detector output or electrical parameter and the corresponding calibration set points/s. The method of claim 12,
The electrical parameter is the anode current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output, and the detector output is also related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, the detector parameter being The gain of the optical detector or gate pulse width applied to the cathode and therefore the overall time averaged gain of the optical detector, the calibration data includes a gain or pulse width value associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a corresponding measured amount of calibrated amount. And in this electrical discharge, the detector output or anode current is at the corresponding calibration set point/s or equivalent. A method of measuring electrical discharge having a discharge magnitude and causing a corresponding optical radiation emission, the method comprising:
Storing in the memory device, a predetermined calibration set point for a detector output or electrical parameter associated with the optical detector, the electrical parameter being associated with operation of the optical detector;
Storing in the memory device predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and corresponding detector parameters associated with the operation of the optical detector, forming a portion of the calibration data Remembering, the detector parameter to be selected to maintain the detector output or electrical parameter at a predetermined calibration set point;
Receiving information indicating a monitored detector output or electrical parameter,
Determining a variation of the monitored detector output or electrical parameter for an associated predetermined calibration set point stored in the memory device in response to the exposure of the optical detector in response to the emission of optical radiation from the electrical discharge;
If a variation is determined, correcting or adjusting the detector parameter associated with the operation of the optical detector device relative to the calibrated detector parameter to maintain the detector output or electrical parameter at a corresponding calibration set point;
And using a calibrated detector parameter and stored calibration data to determine a measure of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge. The method of claim 14,
The detector parameter is the detector gain value or pulse width value associated with the total time averaged gain of the optical detector, the detector output is related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, and the measured amount of calibrated amount is the electrical discharge and Configured to include one of the associated temperature and irradiance values,
The method is characterized by comprising using a calibrated detector gain value with predetermined calibration data to determine the amount of input irradiance or temperature associated with electrical discharge received by the optical detector. . The method of claim 14 or 15,
Providing an optical detector device, the optical detector device being operable to apply a photocathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation to photoelectrons, and to apply a gain to the photoelectrons to amplify them. Multiplier means coupled to the optical cathode; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons to output photons as detector outputs. The method of claim 16,
The electrical parameter is the anode current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in the processing of the received optical radiation to produce the detector output, and is thus configured to include determining the anode current. The method of claim 14 or 15,
Calibrated to determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector by matching the calibrated detector parameter with the one stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith. Using detector parameters as input to the calibration data;
Determining or measuring a distance from the optical detector to an electrical discharge or its source;
Determining a measure of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge by multiplying the retrieved calibrated quantity measurement by the square of the distance share, the distance quotient being the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the optical and optical detectors And determining that is the quotient of the calibrated distance between the sources of the calibrated electrical discharge. The method of claim 18,
To determine the power of electrical discharge,

And using a calibrated amount measurement retrieved with Planck's blackbody formula. The method of claim 14 or 15,
Determine a calibration set point for the detector output or electrical parameter;
Configured to calibrate the optical detector device by calibrating detector parameters against varying input optical radiation to maintain a constant electrical output of the detector output or optical detector at the determined calibration set point,
The step of calibrating determines and memorizes a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and stores the measured value of each determined and memorized calibrated amount. And determining and storing calibration data by determining and remembering associated detector parameters required to keep the detector output and/or electrical parameters constant at the determined set point for the method. The method of claim 14 or 15,
The calibration data comprises a calibrated amount of measurements versus a calibration curve of detector parameters or a lookup table,
Therefore comprising the step of using the calibrated detector parameter as input to the calibration curve or lookup table, thereby determining the corresponding calibrated amount of measurement. The method of claim 15,
The method thereby time-averages the optical detector by operating the multiplier means associated with the optical detector to change the gain applied thereto, or by changing the duty cycle of the gate pulse applied to the photocathode associated with the optical detector. And adjusting the gain of the optical detector to adjust the gain. The method of claim 14 or 15,
The method comprising the step of providing a measure of quantity in units of watts or photons per second. A system for measuring electrical discharges having a discharge magnitude and causing optical radiation emission, the system comprising:
A memory device for storing data;
A parameter monitoring module configured to receive information indicative of an electrical parameter or detector output associated with the optical detector to determine its fluctuation for a predetermined predetermined calibration set point in response to the exposure of the optical detector to the emission of the optical radiation;
In response to determining the variation of the received detector output or electrical parameter, a calibration set point configured to calibrate or adjust the detector parameter of the optical detector relative to the calibrated detector parameter, thereby corresponding to the received detector output or electrical parameter. A gain controller module that maintains a predetermined relationship therebetween, wherein the detector parameter is an operating parameter associated with the optical detector;
A system for measuring electrical discharge, comprising a quantity measurement module configured to use a calibrated detector parameter to determine a quantity measurement associated with the size of the electrical discharge. The method of claim 24,
The detector parameter is a detector gain value or pulse width value associated with the overall time averaged gain of the optical detector, the detector output being the number of photons output by the optical detector or related to the system. The method of claim 25,
The positive measurement module is configured to use a calibrated gain value in conjunction with predetermined calibration data stored in the memory device to determine a calibrated positive measurement associated with the optical radiation received by the optical detector, The calibration data comprises a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a corresponding detector parameter. The method of claim 25 or 26,
And a gain determination module configured to determine a calibrated gain value. The method of claim 24 or 25,
And an image forming means operatively connected to the optical detector to form an image of the detector output. The method of claim 24 or 25,
The system comprises an optical detector, and the optical detector comprises an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation to photoelectrons, and light operable to apply gain to the photoelectrons to amplify it. Multiplier means coupled to the cathode; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons to an output photon as a detector output, wherein the electrical parameter, in use, is the current drawn by the anode of the optical detector in providing the detector output. . The method of claim 24 or 25,
And a distance determining means configured to determine a distance from the optical detector to an electrical discharge or its source. The method of claim 30,
The positive measurement module is:
Calibrated to determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector by matching the calibrated detector parameter with the one stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith. Detector parameters are used as input to the calibration data;
Is configured to determine the measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge by receiving the distance to the electrical discharge from the distance detection means and multiplying the retrieved calibrated quantity measurement by the square of the distance quotient,
A system characterized in that the distance quotient is the quotient of the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the calibrated distance between the source of the electrical discharge to which the optical detector and the optical detector have been calibrated. The method of claim 31,
A system for measuring a quantity, wherein the system is configured to apply an atmospheric or environmental calibration factor to the determined quantity of measurements. The method of claim 32,
And a calibration module configured to determine a calibration set point for each monitored parameter. The method of claim 33,
The calibration module is configured to calibrate the detector parameters of the detector against changing input optical radiation to maintain or maintain detector output or electrical parameters at a calibration set point. The method of claim 34,
The calibration module determines and stores in the memory device a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and a measurement of each determined and stored calibrated amount. And configured to determine calibration data by determining and memorizing the associated detector parameter required to keep the detector output or electrical parameter constant at the determined set point for the system. The method of claim 25,
The gain controller module is configured to adjust the gain of the optical detector by operating the multiplier voltage means to change the gain applied thereby, or the duty cycle of the gate pulse to which the gain controller module is applied to the optical cathode associated with the optical detector. And, thereby effectively adjusting the gain of the optical detector. A method of measuring electrical discharge having a discharge magnitude and causing optical radiation emission, the method comprising:
Providing an optical detector to receive and process optical radiation from the optical receiver device to generate optical radiation;
Storing in the memory device predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and corresponding detector parameters, wherein the detector parameters are operating parameters associated with the optical detector, Remembering;
A method comprising receiving and processing specific detector parameters along with the stored calibration data to determine a measure of the amount associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge detected thereby. The method of claim 37,
The detector parameter is an electrical parameter associated with the operation of the optical detector, the detector output is related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, and the calibrated amount of measurement is one of the temperature and irradiance values associated with the electrical discharge. Method comprising a. The method of claim 38,
The optical detector comprises: an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, multiplier means coupled to the optical cathode operable to apply a gain to the photoelectron and amplify it; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons to output photons as detector outputs. The method of claim 39,
And determining the electrical parameters, wherein the electrical parameters, in use, in providing the detector output, are current drawn by the anode or photocathode of the optical detector. The method of claim 40,
To determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector, by matching the determined electrical parameter with that stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith, the determined electrical parameter Using as an input for calibration data;
Determining or measuring a distance from the optical detector to an electrical discharge or its source;
And multiplying the retrieved calibrated amount measurement by the square of the distance quotient to configure to determine a measurement of the amount associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge,
A method characterized in that the distance quotient is the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the calibrated distance between the optical detector and the source of the electrical discharge to which the optical detector has been calibrated. The method of claim 41,
To determine the power of electrical discharge,

And using a calibrated amount measurement retrieved with Planck's blackbody formula. The method of claim 37,
Set the gain of the optical detector to the maximum;
By calibrating detector parameters against changing input optical radiation from a calibration electrical discharge source,
And calibrating the optical detector device,
The step of calibrating determines and memorizes a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and stores the measured value of each determined and memorized calibrated amount. And determining calibration data by determining and storing associated detector parameters for the method. The method of claim 37,
The calibration data is constructed comprising a calibration curve of a calibrated amount of measurements versus a detector parameter or a lookup table, and thus comprising the step of using the calibrated detector parameter as an input to the calibration curve or lookup table, thereby By determining a corresponding measured value of the calibrated amount. A system for measuring electrical discharges having a discharge magnitude and causing optical radiation emission, the system comprising:
An optical detector for receiving and processing optical radiation from the optical receiver device to generate optical radiation;
A memory device configured to store predetermined calibration data comprising a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge and a detector parameter corresponding thereto, the detector parameter being an operating parameter associated with the optical detector;
A system comprising a quantity measurement module configured to receive and process specific detector parameters along with stored calibration data, and to determine a quantity measurement associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge detected thereby. The method of claim 45,
The detector parameter is an electrical parameter associated with the operation of the optical detector, the detector output is related to or the number of photons output by the optical detector, and the calibrated amount of measurement is one of the temperature and irradiance values associated with the electrical discharge. System comprising a. The method of claim 46,
The optical detector comprises: an optical cathode operable to convert photons from the received optical radiation into photoelectrons, multiplier means coupled to the optical cathode operable to apply a gain to the photoelectron and amplify it; And an anode configured to convert the amplified electrons to output photons as detector outputs. The method of claim 47,
A system comprising a current determination module configured to determine electrical parameters, wherein the electrical parameters, in use, are current drawn by the anode or photocathode of the optical detector in providing the detector output. The method of claim 48,
The positive measurement module is:
To determine the associated calibrated amount measurement associated with the input optical radiation received by the optical detector, by matching the determined electrical parameter with that stored in the calibration data and retrieving the measurement amount of the calibration amount associated therewith, the determined electrical parameter Is used as input to the calibration data;
Determine or measure the distance to the electrical discharge or its source from the optical detector;
Configured to determine a measurement of the quantity associated with the magnitude of the electrical discharge, by multiplying the retrieved calibrated quantity of the measurement by the square of the distance quotient,
A system characterized in that the distance quotient is the quotient of the determined distance between the optical detector and the electrical discharge and the calibrated distance between the source of the electrical discharge to which the optical detector and the optical detector have been calibrated. The method of claim 49,
To determine the power of electrical discharge,

A system characterized by being configured to use a calibrated amount measurement retrieved with Planck's blackbody formula. The method of claim 45,
Set the gain of the optical detector to the maximum;
And a calibration module configured to calibrate detector parameters against changing input optical radiation from a calibration electrical discharge source,
The calibration module determines and stores in the memory device a calibrated amount of measurement associated with the magnitude of the varying input electrical discharge associated with the calibration source of the electrical discharge, and a measured value of each determined and stored calibrated amount. And determining calibration data for, and storing, in a memory device, associated calibration parameters for the system. delete delete

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